I’m Karen Gardiner and this is a record of my journey with cancer.
Soon after I got the official diagnosis of colorectal cancer, I began to receive an incredible outpouring of love and support, thoughts and prayers, and all sorts of expressions of concern from friends and family. I am filled with awe and gratitude for all the many ways people have let me know they care.
While the dozens of calls and emails have made me feel very loved, it has also been a bit overwhelming to keep up with responding to every message. After giving it some thought, I decided to experiment with writing a blog as I am on this new journey. My hope is that it will accomplish a few good things: I’ll be able to update everyone at the same time and not have to repeat the same details in every conversation or email (and that way, when we do get to talk we can have a nice conversation about something other than my latest treatment), and I also believe that writing about my experience will be one of the paths that leads to my healing.
I have no idea what to expect over the coming months – I may be able to write often, I may not. I’m planning to give it a try and see how it goes. I feel sure if I can actually stick with it (especially when it gets harder to write), it will be a valuable healing tool for me. And, perhaps, at some point in the future, it may help someone else on their journey with cancer.
By the way, this is not meant to discourage my friends and family from calling or emailing. I love hearing from you. In fact, I’m relying on it.
Many, many thanks to everyone for all the support and love you’ve sent my way. I am very blessed to have so many beautiful souls in my life.
It’s always about the journey, ay, pumpkin, even when the road goes where we don’t want to travel.
Thanks for allowing us to walk with you. Where else would we be?
Loving you every step.
A. Carol
Hello my love,
You are in my prayers and in my heart…always…can I bring some food over?…sit with you?…please let me know if you need anything!
Thank you for sharing yourself on this journey…you are amazing!
love and hugs
jenise
Karen,
I am in Santa Fe, have my car with me and would be honored if you need a ride any where or need me to pick up anything for you. Please feel free to contact me at 505/9840230…I am here through next Friday, August 14 and then will return at the end of August.
I am walking with you on your life journey through your wonderful blog. I am also praying for your wholeness and total well-being.
Enjoy the opera tonight.
xoxo Nancy Gale
Hi, Karen! I’m one of the many people that you don’t know,
although, I think we may have met once at Helena’s house
in Md. I’ve been your AuntCarol’s best friend for at least 50yrs. She was my Matron of Honor at my 2nd wedding (- :
You are doing me a service with your candid memoirs re:
cancer treatment–thank you–not that I have cancer but,
like you, have worked at maintaining a healthy shell for
most of my life and don’t have experience w/invasive cures.
Know that I’m w/you and Carol and your support system
each morning at 5:30.
You are a vitally alive, powerful spiritual Being.
Mary Ellen
Richard update me recently. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lesley
I am just hearing about your diagnosis and journey through chemo and radiation. I want you to know that I will be praying for you and you will be in my thoughts. You have always meant the world to me, I will be praying for healing and wellness through this process. With Love, Kelly
Dear Karen,
Thank you for your writerly insights into your difficult medical journey. Sending you thoughts and prayers and images of buttery arctic sunlight and fox prints in the snow. love, Nancy
Dear Karen,
I’m just now learning of your goings on these past seven months. Quite serindipitously, but too much to share right now. You are amazing. G-d bless. Love to you and Tim. I’ll be in touch.
Love, Gloria
Hi Karen,
I just happened upon your blog from WordPress’s suggested related posting (I had a prolapsed stoma experience last month which you can read about at http://shirashaiman.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/my-unglamorous-life). I was diagnosed with rectal cancer on my 39th birthday, April 1, 2010. I haven’t connected with other young women dealing with this disease and while I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, it is good to know that I am not alone. I wish you radiant health as you continue your healing. All my best, Shira Shaiman